Chile, Australia and Japan through to women’s semifinals in WC Qualifiers in Santiago

Chile, Australia and Japan are through to the women’s semifinals as the final pool matches of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2025 Qualifiers in Santiago, Chile, came to an end. The final four pool matches decided the remaining semifinal teams for the women’s Pool A and B.

With a 4-0 victory over Malaysia, Japan joined Ireland at the top of Pool B and earned a spot in the semifinals. Ireland defeated Canada to finish number one in the group.

In Pool A, host Chile claimed the top spot with a 1-0 win over France, as Australia secured the second with a 3-0 shutout over Switzerland.

Chile down France to top table

With the final semifinal spot at the Santiago qualifier on the line, France needed a big win against host Chile. France put on a good showing, but it was Chile who clinched the coveted spot with a 1-0 win.

Chile, Australia and France women keep their Hockey World Cup dreams alive

Las Diablas came in feeling confident, with the win over Australia and the force of the home crowd behind them. Josefa Salas deflected in a shot off an early set piece opportunity to give Chile the first goal of the match.

France settled into the game, but Chile refused to take their foot off the gas. An even second quarter gave way to a similarly close third, and tensions continued to heighten,seeing two yellow cards apiece in the second half. The final frame finished out the same, with a strong effort from both sides, but seeing Chile take the win.

“We are very happy,” said Fernanda Flores of Chile, who was named Player of the Match. “We didn’t think today we played our game, but it’s important to win, so we are happy about that.”

With a 4-0 victory over Malaysia, Japan joined Ireland at the top of Pool B and earned a spot in the semifinals. Pics: FIH

Japan join Ireland at top of Pool B

In a matchup that would determine who moves on to the semifinals, Japan stepped up in the second half to secure the spot with a 4-0 win.

The first two quarters were tight, and it seemed that Malaysia’s underdog mentality could propel them through. It was not meant to be, however, and halfway through the third frame, Shiho Kobayakawa tapped in a goal off the post to put Japan up, 1-0. Kobayakawa put in another for good measure as the quarter ended, dribbling down and hitting a reverse shot to double Japan’s lead.

The game became out of reach for Malaysia in the fourth, as goals from Hiroka Murayama and Akari Nakagomi sent Japan’s margin of victory to 4-0.

“Today we struggled a little bit on defense,” said Japan’s Shiho Kobayakawa, who was named Player of the Match. “But we are happy to get the win.”

Ireland thrash Canada 5-1

Perhaps due to having already clinched a semifinal spot, Ireland started out their match against Canada a touch complacent. Eager to pounce on the opportunity, Canada was the first to score, with Anna Mollenhauer striking on a penalty corner in the 13th minute.

Ireland defeated Canada 5-1 to finish number one in their group

Ireland found their swagger in the second quarter and went on to score five unanswered goals. The first was a spectacular reverse hit and tip, sent in by Niamh Carey to Sarah Torrans. Caoimhe Perdue nailed the second of the quarter via set piece to put Ireland up, 2-1.

Back-to-back tallies from Ireland came in the third quarter from Sarah Torrans and Jessica McMaster. Amy Handcock made it 5-1 with a penalty corner flick as time expired.

“The semis are the big games here,” said Ireland’s Sarah Torrans, who was the Player of the Match. “So, a lot of confidence going into those, and we’ll see who we play next.”

Australia put it across Switzerland

Following their narrow loss to Chile the previous day, Australia needed to find a win, which is exactly what they did against Switzerland.

It was about eight minutes into play when Australia dealt their first blow, a pass from Amy Lawton dumped left for Neasa Flynn to put away. Switzerland responded admirably, however, turning in a strong defensive effort.

Following their narrow loss to Chile the previous day, Australia needed to find a win, which is exactly what they did against Switzerland in a 3-0 victory

Switzerland kept the No. 8 ranked Hockeyroos off the board for the middle two quarters, outlasting four penalty corners and numerous other attempts. Eventually, the force of Australia could not be contained any longer, and in the 51st minute, Neasa Flynn tallied again by tapping the ball out of the air on a set piece. Mihaylia Howell made it 3-0 for Australia will a well-timed tip over the goalkeeper.

“We’ve just been trying to take it game by game and not look too far ahead,” said Australia’s Neasa Flynn. “I think we’ll also just focus on our processes and just keep improving game on game and keep refining everything we’re trying to do. It’s a new group, so our best games are ahead of us,” the Player of the Match said.